NBA Recap: Denver Nuggets earn third-straight victory; defeat New Orleans Pelicans, 117-97.
By Andrew Dill
Nov 21, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) guards Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) in the first quarter at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets earned their third-straight victory Friday night as they defeated the New Orleans Pelicans at the Pepsi Center, 117-97. After starting the season 1-6, Denver has won four out of their last five and appear to have found their rhythm.
73. 97. 69. Final. 117
After disappearing the last two games, Kenneth Faried put forth one of his best games of the 2014-15′ campaign. The ‘Manimal’ tied a team-high with 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, collecting 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Over the previous two games, Faried combined for just 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 assist.
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Like I mentioned in the game preview, Denver must slow down Anthony Davis to be successful; they did just that. Davis did go on to score 18 points but shot just 7-of-17 from the field. Davis is an impact player on defense as well, recording 2 blocks and 1 steal in the losing effort. As of right now, he is my favorite to win the MVP Award.
We had a Danilo Gallinari sighting at the Pepsi Center Friday night. Since coming back from his ACL surgery, Gallo hasn’t been the same player and it reflects somewhat on Denver’s positioning in the standings. Danilo scored a season-high 17 points off the bench, shooting 5-of-7 from the field while collecting 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. That was only Danilo’ third time scoring in double-figures all season (12 games).
Arron Afflalo and Wilson Chandler continue to be consistent night-in and night-out. Chandler put up 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-4 from distance. Afflalo on the other hand tied a team-high 19 points (Faried) on 7-of-13 shooting, knocking down all four free-throws at the line. JaVale McGee added 14 points off the bench going a perfect 6-of-6 from the field.
Notes:
- Wilson Chandler has scored in double-figures in six-straight games (Nuggets: 4-2)
- Arron Afflalo has scored in double-figures in five-straight games (Nuggets: 4-1)
- Denver outscored New Orleans in the paint, 52-32 (+20).
- Denver shot 45.8% (11-24) from three.
- Denver was +22 (plus/minus) with JaVale McGee on the court (team best).
The Denver Nuggets (5-7) resume action Sunday night as they hit the road taking on the Los Angeles Lakers. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 PM EST, 7:30 PM MST.